About this project

We here at Pionics Robotics love the Raspberry Pi - and who wouldn’t?

With the strength
of a Linux desktop combined with a small form factor and low power requirements the Pi makes for a perfect robot brain.We have been experimenting with mobile platforms for this amazing micro computer for
several years, with a focus on longevity and unique capabilities. Pionics Robotics proudly
presents our first KickStarted robotics system - The PiVenture!

What exactly is a PiVenture?

In short, the PiVenture itself is a custom made acrylic chassis that is reinforced with
metal brackets and standoffs, designed to interface with popular Raspberry Pi compatible
accessories. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of this platform, we have created
several reward levels ranging from the bare-bones chassis to a fully functional globe-trotting robot companion - designed by hobbyists, for hobbyists!

That does sound interesting… but what can it actually do?

Anything you want! But seriously, we have outfitted the PiVenture with a wide range of
sensors to allow you to experience the world through your new robots eyes, a
rechargeable speaker to communicate, a solar charging battery for long adventures and a
range of minor accessories to make your PiVenture more versatile.

Alright, you have my attention. Tell me more.

No problem! Here's a quick rundown of the PiVenture components, and be sure to check
out our Website and YouTube channel for further updates.

PiVenture Chassis: A custom designed acrylic and metal enclosure available in many
colors, providing protection for your Raspberry Pi and simple mounts for additional
components. The PiVenture "Vanguard" chassis also features a multi-size beverage
trailer!

Motor Controller: The PiVenture is designed to be compatible with multiple existing
controllers; to demonstrate this we have modified a popular Pololu unit (The DRV8835)
to directly accept header cables and a USB power source. Comes fully assembled.

Solar USB Battery: If the Raspberry Pi is a robot brain, then these USB batteries were
surely meant to be the heart! Lithium-Ion cells provide Dual 5V output to power Pi and
Motors simultaneously, with plenty to spare to run all your sensors and an integrated
super-bright LED for night driving. Recharge from any laptop or desktop USB port, or
from the sun while out and about - Functions at full power for over 4 hours and much
longer in standby mode.

LEDs: While the USB Battery, Wi-Fi adaptor, Raspberry Pi and USB Sound Card all
have their own status lights we wanted users to be able to directly control a proper LED.
Each PiVenture will ship with two LEDs to choose from (one disco flash + one solid
color) with custom resistor integrated header cables to directly connect via GPIO.

Wi-Fi/Keyboard: Connect to your home or office Wi-Fi and access via web browser
on multiple platforms and operating systems, or take your PiVenture outdoors and control
via your compatible Smartphone (In AP mode!) or wireless keyboard.

Flip Sensor: A simple but effective suspended ball sensor, connects directly to GPIO
and monitors if your PiVenture is still upright and ready to drive.

Heat/Moisture Sensors: Monitor for heat signatures (people and pets) while indoors
or keep a constant vigil for those pesky rain drops while outside. Both included however
connect via one cable - can not be used simultaneously.

USB Cameras: Lower resolution (8MP 320x240) than the official R-Pi cams, these
hardy units require little power, are self contained and better suited to hazardous or low-
signal environments. Stream or record video and take photos from 1 or two units
mounted front and rear, or extend up to a meter from the main chassis for home
surveillance. Optional sticky lenses to increase FOV included in “Vanguard” pack.

Speaker: We believe all robots should be seen AND heard! These wonderful speakers
deliver clear and vibrant audio for talking, singing or playing tunes - Powered by their
own internal USB chargeable battery with control from an integrated volume/power
switch. Connects via included USB soundcard rather than the 3.5mm R-Pi jack for
superior quality. Want to connect your own sound system? No problem!

Programming: As a totally open-source project we are happy to release all of our code
without restraint. The majority of our scripts will be python based, with integration for
other projects such as eSpeak and MJPEG-Streamer. The PiVenture is recommended for
use with our modified Raspian image which will be free to download from our website or
comes pre-installed on our 8GB Class 10 SHDC Micro-SD cards.

Awesome! But it seems like you've got all this figured out –
Do you actually need my KickStarter support?

Thanks! But trust us, we've got a long way still to go! You can see from our videos that
the PiVenture works, but the team needs YOU to bring us from a single prototype to an
armada of PiVenturers! Crowd funding allows us to connect directly with our future
captains and we hope that together we can make this long-time dream a reality.

Alright, I’m in. Assuming the KickStarter is successful, what is the plan?

From the team here at Pionics Robotics we'd like to thank you for taking the time to read
through all the above. This is our first KickStarter and we are confident that with our hard
work and your generous support we can make the PiVenture a great success! While you are pondering our project, check out our development photos below

Risks and challenges

We understand the commitment we are making by venturing out into the KickStarter community as a creator. Researching other successful (and failed) projects has given us valuable insight into what makes a great crowd-funding experience and while this may be our very first global attempt, rest assured we have been planning this for a long time and are in it for the long haul.

There will always be risks outside our control - We will try our very best to mitigate the impact of such unforseen issues and will always respond to the best of our abilities.

Besides the KickStarter itself, the team has spent many hours on the phone with more shipping and manufacturing representatives than we knew existed! We are confident in our ability to deliver to all areas available from the rewards section, and have selected backup suppliers for our components where possible.

We have deliberately set the lowest possible funding level to achieve a successful KickStarter - this amount of $3000 AUD ensures we can provide all stated rewards at their given costs, with a reserve for unforseen circumstances. We would love to see this project go above and beyond that amount, and we hope to announce a series of stretch goals for future expansion!

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Pionics Supporter Reward
(~$1.50 USD)

You feel that this project is worthwhile, but aren't looking for a robot minion just this second. Your support will help to make the PiVenture Project a success and be noted on our acknowledgements page.